The effects of beer

Beer affects the body in different ways. When beer is consumed, the alcohol is absorbed directly into the blood stream through the stomach and the small intestines and circulates to all parts of the body quickly via the blood stream. When it reaches the brain it affects behavior; It can make some people lively and chatty and others silent and moody.

Alcohol often reinforces the frame of mind you are in when you start to drink. Alcohol not only affects your inhibitions but also your physical coordination, reaction times and decision making capabilities. As a result, people who drink excessively are more likely to take unnecessary risks, become more aggressive or uncoordinated.

Several factors affect the rate of absorption of alcohol. For example, how fast you drink and if there is food in your stomach.

Eating a snack or meal with your beer will slow down absorption of alcohol into the blood stream. Drinking beer slowly and or alternating beer with a soft drink or water will have a similar effect.

As blood passes through the liver the alcohol is gradually broken down and eliminated from the body.

Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can raise blood pressure and heavy drinkers have a higher risk of liver disease, strokes and cancers of the mouth and throat.

Dependence on alcohol can lead to depression and more serious mental illness.